Urban Centre · Area profile
Walgett
6 km²
A significant population drop of 26% since 2011 has reshaped Walgett, which now has 1,377 residents. It is a notably young community where the typical resident is just 34. A strong Indigenous presence is a key feature of the area, with 23.7% of the population identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. These factors combine to create a place with many children and a high proportion of single-parent families.
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The area is much younger than most, with 23.2% of the population being children under 15. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 23.7% of the community, a figure that has risen 18 points since 2011.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the proportion of people born overseas is much lower than most areas at 4.7%. This figure has fallen slightly since 2011.
English is the main language for 50.5% of the community. While much lower than the state average, the proportion of people using another language at home has risen to 4.7% since 2011.
Religious affiliation is lower than the national figure, with 23.3% of people reporting no religion. Christianity is the most common faith at 29.8%.
Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 25.3% of residents having completed Year 12. However, the proportion of adults with a bachelor degree or higher has risen to 9.3% since 2011.
Typical personal income is $930 a week, which is a little above the national figure. While typical household income is $1,674, the number of households earning over $3,000 a week has risen 14 points since 2011.
Residents report fewer long-term health issues than most, with only 17.6% having a chronic condition. Those needing help with daily activities make up 2.9%, which is a little below the state average.
Community participation is much lower than most areas. The number of volunteers has fallen to 8.1%, and the proportion of people providing unpaid care has dropped to 4.9% since 2011.
One-parent families are very common here at 34.2%, which is far above the national figure. About 31.7% of people live alone, and typical homes hold 2.4 people.
Renters make up 51.9% of households, a figure that has risen 29 points since 2011. Typical weekly rent is very low at $177, and most people live in separate houses.
Cars are the main way to get around, with 59.6% of workers driving to work. Very few people use public transport, and only 3.7% work from home.
The community is relatively stable, as far fewer people have moved in the last five years compared to most areas. However, recent overseas arrivals have risen to 16.9% since 2011.
The proportion of adults working or looking for work has fallen 22 points since 2011 to 37.0%. Many of those employed work in public administration and safety or education.
Walgett is very walkable, with 97.9% of homes within a 15-minute walk of essential services. This includes near-universal access to parks, schools, and health services.